Abstract
The fundamental process of implantation involves a series of steps leading to effective cross-talk between invasive trophoblast cells and the maternal endometrium. The molecular interactions at the embryo-maternal interface during the time of blastocyst adhesion and subsequent invasion are not fully understood. Embryonic trophoblast and maternal decidual cells produce corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and express Fas ligand (FasL), a proapoptotic cytokine. Fas and its ligand are pivotal in the regulation of immune tolerance. Trophoblast and decidual CRH play crucial roles in implantation, as well as in the anti-rejection process that protects the fetus from the maternal immune system, primarily by killing activated T cells through Fas-FasL interaction. The potential use of CRH antagonists is presently under intense investigation. CRH antagonists have been used experimentally to elucidate the role of CRH in blastocyst implantation and invasion, early fetal immunotolerance, and premature labor.
Abbreviations | ||
ACTH, | = | adrenocorticotropin hormone; |
CEACAM1, | = | carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1; |
CRH, | = | corticotropin-releasing hormone; |
CRH-BP, | = | CRH-binding protein; |
CRH-R, | = | CRH receptor; |
EGF, | = | epidermal growth factor; |
ERE, | = | estrogen response element; |
EVT, | = | extravillous trophoblast cells; |
Fas, | = | membrane protein involved in apoptosis and belonging to TNF and nerve growth factor receptor superfamily; |
FasL, | = | Fas ligand, a proapoptotic cytokine that induces apoptosis through its cell surface receptor Fas; |
FSH, | = | follicle stimulating hormone; |
GRE, | = | glucocorticoid response element; |
HPA, | = | hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal; |
IL, | = | interleukin; |
LH, | = | luteinizing hormone; |
LIF, | = | leukemia inhibiting factor; |
NK, | = | natural killer cells; |
PGE2, | = | prostaglandin E2; |
PGF2α, | = | prostaglandin F2α; |
POMC, | = | proopiomelanocortin; |
TNF, | = | tumor necrosis factor; |
TRAIL, | = | tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. |
Abbreviations | ||
ACTH, | = | adrenocorticotropin hormone; |
CEACAM1, | = | carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1; |
CRH, | = | corticotropin-releasing hormone; |
CRH-BP, | = | CRH-binding protein; |
CRH-R, | = | CRH receptor; |
EGF, | = | epidermal growth factor; |
ERE, | = | estrogen response element; |
EVT, | = | extravillous trophoblast cells; |
Fas, | = | membrane protein involved in apoptosis and belonging to TNF and nerve growth factor receptor superfamily; |
FasL, | = | Fas ligand, a proapoptotic cytokine that induces apoptosis through its cell surface receptor Fas; |
FSH, | = | follicle stimulating hormone; |
GRE, | = | glucocorticoid response element; |
HPA, | = | hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal; |
IL, | = | interleukin; |
LH, | = | luteinizing hormone; |
LIF, | = | leukemia inhibiting factor; |
NK, | = | natural killer cells; |
PGE2, | = | prostaglandin E2; |
PGF2α, | = | prostaglandin F2α; |
POMC, | = | proopiomelanocortin; |
TNF, | = | tumor necrosis factor; |
TRAIL, | = | tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. |